{Review} Underground (New World #4) by Janelle Stalder

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: February 14th, 2016
Finished Date:February 8th, 2016

Publishers: Self Published
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Source: For Review
Format: Kindle

Pages: Unknown
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

 

Love isn't something you find.
Love is something that finds you.

Phoenix has spent her whole life fighting. All she's ever wanted was to return the world to a peaceful state, and bring down the New World Order. But now she finds herself in a different sort of battle. No longer set in the streets of New Berlin, the fighting has moved beneath them, in a vicious underground fighting ring run by outlaws bent on causing trouble. And if that isn't hard enough, she's stuck with the one person who loves to fight more than she does - Trent McKay. Now the race is on to get out of their new prison and back home - before they end up killing each other.

Or worse - fall in love.

The Review: Underground is the fourth book in the New World series and the one I had been waiting for!

Fans of this series will know all about Phoenix and Trent, both leaders in their families and used to getting their own way. They have clashed since we met them, have one of those awesome relationships where they hate each other and are even hostile to each other….. but all that is about to change :D.

Both Phoenix and Trent find themselves in a predicament after being kidnapped off the street and taken to an underground compound. Here they are being forced to train which will then lead to them being forced to fight in an underground fighting arena that is run by a hard man for the entertainment of those who can afford it. They can both fight, they are both more than capable but these fights are not for the faint hearted and always result in fatality. Phoenix knows she will have trouble actually killing people and is just waiting for rescue or the opportunity to escape… but it’s been a while…. And she can’t leave Trent behind.

Now, as I mentioned; I have been waiting for this book because I knew we were in for something special when these two finally realised what was going on between them and it did not disappoint. I have loved these two from the start, I really enjoy their banter and how they communicate with each other and who doesn’t love a good hate to love romance? I think it went against each others principles to allow the other to see the vulnerabilities they had but with them being in a confined place, there was no easy way to avoid it. It brought out a protectiveness in each other at first which then blossomed into something more. It was quite clear where they were headed but they had to realise a few things first.

Obviously the romance isn’t the only thread in this book and not the only reason I read them. The author has created a very complex world that all threads together seamlessly, this book opens that world up even more with the introduction of a new area and leader of that area. We still have drama coming from the city and the uppers but this definitely seemed to be taking the story to a different level. Ludwig and the General have both been dealt blows in previous books but it seems that they have not been as unaffected as we once thought; how they handle it plays a big part in this book. Our rebels each have their own part to play in this web so whilst the focus of this book is on Phoenix and Trent, we get to know what they are all up to and the setting up of their books also.

There is a lot of drama, fighting and action as we have come to expect from the series and the story is definitely being pushed in a definite direction with this seeming like a game changer. There are a good few surprises still to be had and a heart stopping finale for more than one person. If you’re up to book four then you know what to expect – rebels, fighting, kidnapping, plots, chances, plenty of ‘no way’ moments, bickering, dastardly deeds, lives in peril, explosions, violence…… but plenty of romance, hot men and sexytime to go with it. I love these books – hopefully you will too.

Thank you to Janelle Stalder for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Release Day Blitz) Simple Beginnings by Janelle Stalder

Simple Beginnings
by Janelle Stalder 
Release Date: March 10th, 2015

Genre: NA, Contemporary, Romance

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Ella Page planned to spend her summer before college like most girls her age - shopping, tanning, swimming, repeat. Instead she finds herself helping out on her grandma's farm, where she is forced to work side by side with her ex-best friend, Gage Hunter. 

Despite her attempt to stay cool around the boy she no longer feels like she knows, the heat in the summer air just won't stop rising. 

And with it, old feelings she's not so sure were forgotten after all.

* 17+ Mature YA / New Adult. 
This book contains some strong language and sexual situations. 
For mature audiences. 

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{Release Day Blitz + Review} Tested (New World #3) by Janelle Stalder

Posted by Melanie 
Release Date: August 26th, 2014
Finished Date: August 20th, 2014

Publishers: Self Published  
Genre: YA Dystopia, 
Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Pages: Unknown

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye.

Faced with the scariest decision of her life, Missy is going behind enemy lines to save the rebel that seems to haunt her every dream. Finding courage is one of the hardest things she’s ever done, especially when she comes face-to-face with a terrifying reality. The green eyes that have fascinated her, no longer gleam with recognition. Now Missy must find a way to not only get them out alive, but to save the mind of the man who is quickly capturing her heart. And she must do it all without getting caught. Put to the test, will Missy be able to rise above her fears and find love, or watch it all blow up in smoke?

*This book is for mature audiences due to sexual situations, violence and strong language

The Review: Tested is another awesome instalment in the New World series but this time it took on a different feel.
This book had its set up at the end of book 2 when Tyler is snatched off the street and bundled into a van with Missy looking on. They already shared a connection but Missy is very timid and terrified of men – with good reason- and Tyler is ALL man which scares her. Two weeks go by and no one can find him, he hasn’t been seen or heard from since but then they get a tip that a van has been seen taking people from the streets and transporting them to a facility and it looks like this is the break they need but there is one problem – whoever has him, knows everyone in their group….. except Missy. So Missy is Tylers only hope, this shy, timid girl who couldn’t hurt a fly must put herself on the line and go undercover to see if they have Tyler and what is going on.
When she gets there she does indeed find Tyler, but he’s not the Tyler they all know anymore, he has no recognition of who she is but he knows one thing when he sees her…..MINE. Now Missy must race against time to get them both out of there because something is about to happen and none of it is good.
Sounds great right? Well it was and as I mentioned- it took on a different feel this time around but I thought the tone of the book fit perfectly with Missy, it was a more sedate feel, yes there was violence but it was controlled violence and it proved to Missy that the one person she found herself having feelings for could indeed protect her and that even wrapped up in all of that masculinity and power – that she had nothing to fear from Tyler – which was quite healing for her. I was so pleased to see her face her fears, come to terms with her situation and not fall apart, reading of this girl trying to save a man who you would never have thought needed saving was so heart-warming, she is the hero, she saves the day and I love! that this character got to do this. The relationship that developed was sweet, obviously we know that Missy wouldn’t just jump Tyler and vice versa and we know that it would be slow going but that didn’t mean that we don’t get those steamy moments, we do but as I say, it’s all about the tone of the situation that builds steadily to its crescendo.
The storyline wasn’t as action packed as the previous two until towards the end, it was about the set up and what seems to be looming on the horizon. We are seeing preparations being made on all sides with our favourite characters seemingly stuck in the middle and you can feel the change in tactics. We still get a good few points of view from all sides that balances out the story well and you know where everyone's mindset is but that doesn’t mean that there won’t be a few surprises because there are definitely some big ones and I mean huge! Both sides of the war – NWO/Rebels - seem to have gotten ‘a desperation’ about them and maybe aren’t making rational thought out decisions which can only mean one thing – devastation! We also have new threats looming on the horizon and Trent & Phoenix’s story is definitely set up throughout this so I’m really excited to see where book four will go and it can’t come soon enough! 

Thank you to Janelle Stalder for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

About the Author:
Janelle Stalder was born and raised in Brampton, Ontario. At an early age she developed a love for literature. Her debut novel, Eden, was the first book in a series of four, released in September of 2011. The second book, Eden-West, was released in July of 2012, and the third book, Eden-South was released in March of 2013. The fourth book of the Eden Series, Eden-East, will be release at the end of 2013. She is a strong supporter of other independent authors, and loves to interact with her readers. When she's not writing, Janelle is at home with her husband, two children, Aiden and Elora, and her two furry children, Alice and Lily. She now resides in the small town in Ontario in her old, possibly haunted, century home.

Author Contact Information:

Facebook: Janelle Stalder / Twitter: @jmstalder / Website: www.janellestalder.com

Email: jmstalder@gmail.com 

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Blog Tour for Masked (New World #2) by Janelle Stalder; Review

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: February 25th, 2014
Finished Date: February 13th, 2014

Publishers: Self Published
Genre: YA, Dystopian 
Source: For Review

Format: Kindle
Pages: Unknown

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it.

New Berlin, 2040. Rebels prepare to fight against the New World Order, bent on bringing down the world’s greatest tyrant. One girl wanted nothing to do with it, content to keep her head down and make the best of this new world. That is, until she has no choice but to work with the rebels and infiltrate the NWO headquarters. Every moment she spends there puts her in danger, especially when one man, the second in command to the New World leader, continues to make his way into her every thought. She must stay focused and protect not just her mind and body, but also her heart. Will she be able to complete her task without being unmasked? Or will the one man standing in her way ruin it all?

The Review:  **SPOILER ALERT** 
**IF YOU HAVEN’T READ BOOK ONE THEN DO NOT READ THIS**

Masked is the second book in the New World series and this time we join Bridgette (Charlotte/Dinah/weapon X’s sister from book one) risking her life by entering the HQ of the New World Order under the guise of ‘weapon X’. Having seen her sister tied to a chair and beaten by their father and leader of the opposition, Bridge is made to go undercover to save her sisters life by completing a task that will supposedly bring down the regime. Once there she waits for more instructions but how will she fit into Charlottes’ life? The mask goes a long way to hide her appearance but what about everything else? How should she act? How should she talk? and just how on earth is she going to be able to remain this close to Roman Adamson? He brings out something in her, a connection, a want… will he be her downfall? Roman knows something has changed with Lottey but he can’t quite put his finger on it, she’s bringing out feelings he never used to have, making him feel things he swore he would never feel and making him want things he shouldn’t… he decides to stay away and focus on the big events coming up for the NWO, namely searching for the rebels and overseeing the arms shipment that will empower the army….if he can only stop thinking about her.
Elsewhere, Charlotte is determined to get Bridgette out of the HQ, so along with her boyfriend – former second in command to her father - she starts hatching a plan to save her sister but they’re going to need help and in these precarious times it’s doubtful whether they will get it but they must try…for Bridgette’s sake at least.

So, I loved this sequel, I’m loving everything about it and I’m loving the series, who would have thought I could get so involved with a dystopian book??
I was really pleased that the book focussed on Bridgette and Roman because they connected in book one and what chemistry they had! They sizzled around each other and I was desperate for them to get together so it was great to get their story. It’s no surprise that I love both characters – Bridgette blossomed in her new surroundings and found out some new things about herself. Roman took a chance on his heart which softened him and we got to know him a lot better and realised that he may not have been in his position, made to do bad things had circumstances been different and he was making the best out of a bad situation. The chemistry between them was amplified from book one and makes for some very charged moments between them, they try to fight it but love will conquer all, so get those fans out ladies, it’s about to get HOT!
The story line was brill! I loved the intensity of knowing Bridgette could be found out at any time, I loved that even though Roman didn’t know it was Bridgette under the mask that he was picking up on differences, be it her shape, feel, attitude, skills, everything… he knew something was up. I loved what she did to him, how she made him feel, the connection they shared and vice versa, even how uncomfortable he was thinking that the feelings were towards Lottey & I was waiting with baited breath for him to realise who it actually was. The romance and getting to know you part of the relationship was lovely and really got the heart pounding with the little moments they shared, desperate for the closeness so they could take it that one step further and loving the sweetness it brought to their harsh world.
I liked where the action part of the plot went, it was just as action packed as book one & you could never say that the plot relied on either just the romance or the action because they were both equally good and both keep you on the edge of your seat. It was all very exciting and I read it with caution wondering if & when the ***t would hit the fan but knowing it would bring some awesome action and it did! There are quite a few revelations throughout the book that make you see some characters in a different light and definitely blurs the lines of who we believe to be good or bad and I’m left very curious about a lot of things. I loved the introduction of the Archers (a new band of rebels that are independent from ‘The General’) I thought they were a very welcome addition to the story and brought something a little different to the table, they make me more excited for future books because I can see at least 3 new stories coming from this new band of rebels. I thought this book brought about a game changer too especially with the revelations & consequences of what happened and I’m really curious to see where it all goes next and of course hoping for a HEA for our next couple – Tyler & Missy … I can’t wait! 

About the Author:
Janelle Stalder was born and raised in Brampton, Ontario. At an early age she developed a love for literature. Her debut novel, Eden, was the first book in a series of four, released in September of 2011. The second book, Eden-West, was released in July of 2012, and the third book, Eden-South was released in March of 2013. The fourth book of the Eden Series, Eden-East, will be release at the end of 2013. She is a strong supporter of other independent authors, and loves to interact with her readers. When she's not writing, Janelle is at home with her husband, two children, Aiden and Elora, and her two furry children, Alice and Lily. She now resides in the small town in Ontario in her old, possibly haunted, century home.

Author Contact Information:

Facebook: Janelle Stalder / Twitter: @jmstalder / Website: www.janellestalder.com

Email: jmstalder@gmail.com 

Blog Tour for Switch (New World) by Janelle Stalder; Review

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: August 27th, 2013 
Finished Date: August 4th, 2013

Publishers: Self - Published 
Source: For Review

Format: Kindle
Pages: 240

All’s fair in love and war. 

Two thirds of the world's population has been wiped out, devastated by the worst war earth has ever seen. Still standing amongst the ruins is a mind reader who finds herself on the wrong side of the war. Everyone does what they must to survive. When the rebels bent on bringing down the New World leader start to rise up, it is her job to make sure they stay down where they belong. That is, until one rebel sneaks past her defences and into her heart. Love will blossom from the ashes, but will it be enough to save them, or will it mean the end of them both?

*This book is for mature audiences due to sexual situations, violence and strong language. NA

 

The Review: 4.5 Flowers! Wow, I loved this book and I devoured it in one sitting. 

 

At 16, Charlotte Hatcher’s life is irrevocably changed starting with her mothers death right in front of her eyes. When her mind reading talent is exposed she is then faced with the option of joining the New World Order as ‘weapon X’ or die, she obviously takes the living option and becomes the greatest weapon in a tyrannical leaders arsenal as he all but destroys the world, decimating humanity with nuclear war & terrorist attacks. 5 years later, Charlotte, now known as Dinah is still doing her thing, no one knows who she is but all fear ‘weapon X’, but as more & more people come to her with ‘walls’ in their minds, built to block her out, her job is becoming increasingly difficult. After a revealing run in with a rebel leaves her in precarious situation her own walls start to crumble – why does he bring out this response in her? Why is he the only one to see past the ‘weapon X’ persona? – leading to her leader sending her undercover to expose the rebellion, find out where they are, what they’re up to and to take them out once and for all. Dinah doesn’t count on falling in love, she also doesn’t know that a lot of things have been kept from her…. Until now. 

So yeah I loved this book, anyone who knows me, knows I don’t usually enjoy dystopian topics as much as my usual reads but this is definitely one of the reasons why I still continue to read them, waiting for a gem like this. I loved everything about it, the characters were great, I connected with all of them especially Charlotte/Dinah – how could you not empathise with her when the first time we meet her she is forced to watch her mother be shot in the head and is forced to make a decision to help the people who did it whilst kneeling in her blood? Then she leads the life of a recluse, never exposed, only a handful of people knowing her true identity and the only friend she has is the one who killed her mother. It was great to see her blossom at the hands of the enemy & their forbidden love, I enjoyed reading of her going through self-doubt about their relationship, questioning everything, analysing everything, the way a teenager would do if not in her situation. It made me smile to see her gain some love, some happiness and experience at living instead of being locked away, hidden from the world. 

 

I absolutely loved the plot, with the New World Order taking over the world, it is really plausible that this could happen and I liked the way it was brought into the story. I liked that there was rebellion and that for as long as the ‘NOW’ has existed so has the resistance, albeit more secretive and I loved the way it tied in with our characters. The plotting and the secrecy where excellent ways of keeping my interest and there is a huge secret that had me turning page after page, waiting for it to come out – I loved it! I really liked the romance between the two lead characters, forbidden romance is always the best with its stolen moments and longing for the ‘next time’, I was even invested in the tentative one between a couple of others, I like how in all of the dreariness that the world now is, that love can shine through and not only show some hope but become a catalyst for change. This is an amazing start to a new series that definitely hits the spot, my review will certainly not do this book justice as there are lots of plot points for you to discover, filled with secrets, lies, twists & turns, that I just ate up and I will be waiting desperately for book two – especially following that cliffhanger! 

Janelle Stalder was born and raised in Brampton, Ontario. At an early age she developed a love for literature. Her debut novel, Eden, was the first book in a series of four, released in September of 2011. The second book, Eden-West, was released in July of 2012, and the third book, Eden-South was released in March of 2013. The fourth book of the Eden Series, Eden-East, will be release at the end of 2013. She is a strong supporter of other independent authors, and loves to interact with her readers. When she's not writing, Janelle is at home with her husband, two children, Aiden and Elora, and her two furry children, Alice and Lily. She now resides in the small town in Ontario in her old, possibly haunted, century home.

Author Contact Information:

Facebook: Janelle Stalder / Twitter: @jmstalder / Website: www.janellestalder.com

Email: jmstalder@gmail.com